Common Uses

Baskets, Brush backs & handles, Toys, Turnery, Utility plywood, Veneer, Wooden shoes.

Category	Green	Dry	Unit
Bending Strength	6745	11020	psi
Max. Crushing Strength	3014	5722	psi
Impact Strength	25	25	inches
Stiffness	1177	1360	1000 psi
Work to Maximum Load	10	12	in-lbs/in3
Hardness		660	lbs
Shearing Strength		1560	psi
Specific Gravity		0.53
Weight	39	32	lbs/cu.ft.
Density (Air-dry)		33	lbs/cu.ft.

Species Distribution

REGIONS: Eastern Europe, Mediterranean Sea Region, Asia, Western Europe. COUNTRIES: CIS, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom.

Physical and Environmental Profile

Environmental Profile The environment status of this species within its natural growth range has not been officially assessed. Distribution Native to Britain, the species is reported to occur in Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Its growth range is reported to extend from northern Russia to North Africa and West Asia, throughout the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Japan. The tree is reported to grow on riversides and lakesides. Although the tree can also be planted on any reasonably moist soil, it is reported to seldom occur naturally away from water. Its spread is reported to be limited by its need for the Frankia bacterium which is common on marshy soils. Alder is reported to depend on the organism for much of its nourishment. Product Sources Sawn lumber is reported to be imported into the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Continent. Trees grown in the UK are reported to be harvested at the pole stage. The timber of A. glutinosa is reported to be very difficult to defferentiate from that of A. incana . Tree Data The tree is reported to attain heights of 50 to 90 feet (15 to 27 m), with trunk diameters of 12 to 48 inches (30 to 120 cm). Boles are reported to be clear to 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 m). Heartwood Color Freshly felled wood is reported to have a warm light brown color, which changes rapidly to bright deep orange. The color of the processed wood gradually fades to dull nut brown. Sapwood and heartwood are usually indistinguishable. Grain Carefully managed trees are reported to produce straight-grained timber. Grain tends to be wild in trees with irregular trunks and which are occasionally burry. This is reported to be common in trees growing in open areas near streams. Quarter cut material may have a well-defined figure because of false broad rays, but the figure is reported to be infrequent since the rays are irregularly distributed. Sound burrs are reported to be highly figured, if they are found in suitable sizes. Texture Texture is fine and close. Luster The surface of the wood is reported to be without luster. Odor There is no distinct odor or taste. Ease of Drying The material is reported to dry well and at a fairly rapid rate. Shrinkage from green to 12% MC Radial: 4.0% Tangential: 6.5% Drying Defects Degrade during seasoning is reported to be minimal. Kiln Schedules Schedule J (4/4) United Kingdom Movement in Service Alder is reported to be dimensionally stable, and holds its shape well after seasoning. Natural Durability The heartwood is reported to have little or no resistance to decay, and the sapwood is vulnerable to attack by the common furniture beetle although it is reported to be immune from attack by powder-post beetle. Resistance to Impregnation Alder is reported to be permeable and responds well to preservative treatment. Blunting Effect The wood is reported to have slight dulling effect on cutters. Resistance to Cutting Sawing resistance is reported to be low, and cross cutting and narrow bandsawing are reported to be satisfactory. Planing The wood is reported to respond very well to sharp, thin-edged cutters in planing and other machining operations. Material containing wild grain may produce fuzzy surfaces. Gluing Gluing properties are reported to be good. Nailing The wood is reported to have satisfactory nailing properties. Screwing Screwing qualities are reported to be satisfactory. Polishing Polishing properties are reported to be fair. Staining Alder is reported to take stains well. Response to Hand Tools Straight-grained material is reported to be easy to work with hand tools. Steam Bending The wood is reported to have moderate steam bending qualities. It is reported to be inferior to many temperate hardwoods, including Beech. Drying checks on ends of bends during setting are reported to be very common. Ratio of radius to thickness for soild bends (steamed) are given as 14 (supported) and 18 (unsupported). Strength Properties Strength properties of Alder are reported to be about half-way between those of Obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon ) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica ). Bending strength and resistance to shock loads are reported to be low, and stiffness is rated as very low. The wood has medium crushing strength.

References

Numeric Data Source Lavers, G.M. 1967. The Strength Properties of Timbers. Forest Products Research Bulletin, No.50 (Spersedes Bulletin No. 45). Ministry of Technology, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London. Descriptive Data Source HMSO. 1985. Broadleaves. Forestry Commission Booklet No. 20. Text by H.E. Edlin. Revised by A.F. Mitchell. Forestry Commission, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London. HMSO. 1981. Handbook of Hardwoods, 2nd Edition. Revised by R.H. Farmer. Department of the Environment, Building Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Nairn, P.M., Editor. 1936. Wood Specimens - 100 Reproductions in Color - A Series of Selected Timbers Reproduced in Natural Color with Introduction and Annotations by H.A. Cox. The Nema Press, Proprietors of Wood, London. Laidlaw, W.B.R. 1960. Guide to British Hardwoods. Published by Leonard Hill [Books] Limited, 9 Eden Street, N.W.1, London.

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